Capacitance sensing electrode with integrated i/o mechanism

ABSTRACT

touch sensing device is disclosed. The touch sensing device includes one or more multifunctional nodes each of which represents a single touch pixel. Each multifunctional node includes a touch sensor with one or more integrated I/O mechanisms. The touch sensor and integrated I/O mechanisms share the same communication lines and I/O pins of a controller during operation of the touch sensing device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/850,905, (now U.S. Publication No. 2016-0004278), filed Sep. 10,2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/236,255, (now U.S. Publication No. 2016-0004278), filed Sep. 19,2011, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/483,008, (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,022,935), filed Jul. 6, 2006, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This application is related to the following applications, all of whichare herein incorporated by reference:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/188,182, titled “TOUCH PAD FORHANDHELD DEVICE”, filed Jul. 1, 2002; U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/722,948, titled “TOUCH PAD FOR HANDHELD DEVICE”, filed Nov. 25, 2003;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/643,256, titled “MOVABLE TOUCH PADWITH ADDED FUNCTIONALITY”, filed Aug. 18, 2003; U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/840,862, titled “MULTIPOINT TOUCHSCREEN”, filed May 6, 2004;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/057,050, titled “DISPLAY ACTUATOR”,filed Feb. 11, 2005; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/115,539, titled“HAND HELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH MULTIPLE TOUCH SENSING DEVICES”, filedApr. 26, 2005, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/394,493, titled“ILLUMINATED TOUCHPAD”, filed Mar. 31, 2006, and U.S. Patent ApplicationNo. 60/755,656, titled “TOUCH PAD WITH FEEDBACK”, filed Dec. 30, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to capacitance sensing touchdevices. More particularly, the present invention relates to capacitancesensing electrodes with one or more integrated I/O devices.

Description of the Related Art

There are many factors that determine the size of compact portableelectronic devices such as laptops, PDAs, media players, cell phones,etc. In most cases, the size of the portable electronic device islimited by the size of the operational components used therein. Thesecomponents include for example microprocessor chips, printed circuitboards, displays, memory chips, hard drives, batteries,interconnectivity circuitry, indicators, input mechanisms and the like.As such, there is a desired to make these operational components smallerand smaller while maintaining or increasing their power andfunctionality to perform operations as well as decreasing their cost.

The placement of these components inside the electronic device is also afactor in determining the size of the portable electronic device. Forthin devices such as cell phones, PDAs and media players, stackingoperational components on top of each other is limited and therefore theoperational components may be placed side by side. In some cases, theoperational components may even communicate through wires or flexcircuits so that they may be spaced apart from one another (e.g., notstacked).

Furthermore, each operational component included in the device requiresa certain number of I/O contacts. As a result, increasing the number ofoperational components also increases the number of I/O contacts. Largenumbers of I/O contacts create design difficulties especially inportable devices that are small. For example, they may require largechips and/or additional chips in order to process the large number ofI/O contacts. These chips however take up valuable space inside thedevice and create stack up such that the device needs to be made largerto accommodate the chip(s). Furthermore, routing the I/O through tracesor wires from the operational components to the chips may furtherexacerbate this problem as well as create new ones.

Therefore integrated operational components are desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a touch sensing device. Thetouch sensing device includes one or more multifunctional nodes each ofwhich represents a single touch pixel. Each multifunctional nodeincludes a touch sensor with one or more integrated I/O mechanisms. Thetouch sensor and integrated I/O mechanisms share the same communicationlines and I/O pins of a controller during operation of the touch sensingdevice.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to an I/O device for usein a user interface of an electronic device. The I/O device includes acapacitive sensing electrode. The I/O device also includes one or moreI/O mechanisms that are integrated with the capacitive sensing electrodesuch that the electrode and I/O mechanisms are incorporated into asingle defined node of the I/O device.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a touch device thatincludes a plurality of touch sensing nodes positioned in an arraywithin a touch plane. At least one of the touch sensing nodes isembodied as a multifunctional touch sensing node that performs touchsensing operations in addition to one or more I/O operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may best be understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a touch sensing device including one or moremultifunctional nodes, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention

FIG. 2 is a method of operating a touch device, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a diagram of an I/O device, in accordance with one embodimentin which the I/O mechanism may be placed completely within the edges ofthe electrode. FIG. 3B is a diagram of an I/O device in accordance withone embodiment in which the I/O mechanism may be placed partially withinthe edges and partially outside of the edge of the electrode. FIG. 3C isa diagram of an I/O device in accordance with one embodiment in whichthe I/O mechanism may be placed entirely outside the edges of theelectrode.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of an I/O device, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an I/O device, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of an I/O device, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of an I/O device, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a method of operating an I/O device having a capacitancesensing electrode with integrated LED, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a method of operating an I/O device having a capacitancesensing electrode with integrated switch, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a method of lighting an LED, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a method of sensing the state of a switch, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a method of performing capacitance sensing with theelectrode, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of an I/O device with a multifunctional node havinga capacitance sensing electrode and multiple integrated I/O mechanisms,in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a method of operating an I/O device having a capacitancesensing electrode with integrated LED and switch, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an alternate method of sensing the state of a switch, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a touch device including a multifunctional nodeand a single functional node, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of circular touch device, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of circular touch device, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of circular touch device, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram of a linear touch device, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram of another type of linear touch device, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is diagram of a touch devices including a scrolling or parametercontrol set up and one or more distinct buttons, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is diagram of a touch devices including a scrolling or parametercontrol set up and one or more distinct buttons, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is diagram of a touch devices including a scrolling or parametercontrol set up and one or more distinct buttons, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is diagram of a touch device that only includes a buttonarrangement having a plurality of buttons, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is diagram of a touch device that is set up as a traditional 2Darray, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a perspective diagram of a media player, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The user interface is believed to be one or the more important featuresof an electronic device since it deals directly with the userexperience. It typically provides the form, feel and functionality ofthe device. If the user thinks the user interface is low grade, the usertypically thinks the quality of the electronic device as a whole is alsolow grade. In contrast, if the user thinks the user interface is highgrade, the user typically thinks the quality of the electronic device asa whole is also high grade. As such, designers have been making greatefforts to improve the design (form, feel and functionality) of the userinterface.

There exist today many styles of input devices for use in the userinterface. The operations generally correspond to moving objects andmaking selections and entering data. By way of example, the inputdevices may include buttons, keys, dials, wheels, mice, trackballs,touch pads, joy sticks, touch screens and the like.

Touch devices such as touch buttons, touch pads and touch screens arebecoming increasingly popular in portable electronic devices because oftheir ease and versatility of operation, their declining price as wellas their space saving ability (e.g., planarity). Touch devices allow auser to make selections and move objects by simply moving their finger(or stylus) relative to a touch sensing surface. In general, the touchdevice recognizes a touch and in some circumstances the characteristicsof the touch and a host controller of the portable electronic deviceinterprets the touch data and thereafter performs action based on thetouch data.

There are several types of technologies for implementing a touch deviceincluding for example resistive, capacitive, infrared, surface acousticwave, electromagnetic, near field imaging, etc. Capacitive touch sensingdevices have been found to work particularly well in portable electronicdevices.

Generally speaking, whenever two electrically conductive members comeclose to one another without actually touching, their electric fieldinteract to form capacitance. In the case of a capacitive touch device,as an object such as a finger approaches the touch sensing surface, atiny capacitance forms between the object and the sensing points inclose proximity to the object. by detecting changes in capacitance ateach of the sensing points and noting the position of the sensingpoints, the sensing circuit can recognize multiple objects and determinethe location, pressure, direction, speed and acceleration of the objectas it is moved across the touch surface. Examples of capacitive touchdevices can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/722,943,and 10/840,862, both of which are herein incorporated by reference.

More recently, there has been a desire to provide more unique touchdevices thereby enhancing the user interface of the portable electronicdevice. By way of example, U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/643,256and 11/057,050 describe techniques for creating one or more buttons,switches, etc. with a movable touch device such as a touch pad or touchscreen. In addition, U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/394,493 and60/755,656 describe techniques for providing visual feedback at thetouch surface of the touch device such as a touch pad. Moreover, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/115,539 describes techniques forincorporating a touch device within a housing wall of a portableelectronic device. All of these applications are herein incorporated byreference.

Although these new touch devices work well, there is still a desire toimprove their form, feel and functionality as well as to reduce theirimpact on the size of a portable electronic device. It is generallybelieved that this can be accomplished through integration. Integrationprovides many benefits for electronic devices and particularly handheldelectronic devices with limited space. Some of the benefits includemultiple functionality from the same location and a reduced number ofcommunication lines, both of which save space.

The present invention relates generally to I/O devices with one or moremulti-functional nodes including at least a touch or proximity sensorand one or more secondary functional mechanisms integrated with thetouch sensor. The secondary functional mechanisms may be used to provideone or more additional input means and/or output means to the touchsensor. The input means may for example include a switch or a sensor,etc., and the output means may for example include an illumination orvisual source, an auditory source, a haptics mechanism, etc.

One embodiment of the invention pertains to a touch/proximity sensorwith an integrated illumination mechanism such as an LED. Theillumination mechanism can be used to provide illumination therebygiving visual feedback at the node. Some arrangements where this type ofsystem may be used can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.11/394,493 and 60/755,656, both of which are herein incorporated byreference.

Another embodiment of the invention pertains to a touch sensor with anintegrated switching mechanism. The switching mechanism can be used toprovide additional inputs at the node. Some arrangements where this typeof system may be used can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.10/643,256 and 11/057,050, both of which are herein incorporated byreference.

Yet another embodiment of the invention pertains to a touch sensor withan integrated illumination mechanism and a switching mechanism. The nodetherefore provides visual feedback, and switching features along withtouch sensing at the same node.

Although the touch sensors may be widely varied, in most embodiments,the touch sensor mentioned above corresponds to a capacitive sensingelectrode.

These and other embodiments of the invention are discussed below withreference to FIGS. 1-28. However, those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect tothese figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extendsbeyond these limited embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a touch sensing (or near touch sensing) device 8including one or more multifunctional nodes 10, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The touch sensing device 8 may forexample be a touch button, touch pad, touch screen, touch sensinghousing, and/or the like. The multifunctional node 10 represents asingle touch pixel. In some cases, the single touch pixel is among manytouch pixels in a touch sensing plane of the touch sensing device (e.g.,array of pixels of a touch pad, touch screen or other relatedmechanism). In other cases, the single touch pixel stands alone or witha limited number of other touch pixels to form a touch button or otherrelated mechanism.

As the name implies, the multifunctional node 10 is capable ofperforming more than one function. For example, in addition to touchsensing (or near touch sensing), the node 10 may provide additionalinput functionality and/or output functionality. For example, besidestouch sensing, the node may include additional sensing functionality,switch functionality, feedback functionality, etc.

As shown, the multifunctional node 10 includes a touch/proximity sensor12 and one or more I/O mechanisms 14 that are integrated with the touchsensor 12. Integration is the process of merging or joining differentdevices so that multiple devices become one (incorporating disparateparts into a single defined unit). As a result of integration, thenumber of I/O contacts for each node 10 can be reduced. The touch sensor12 enables touch sensing at the node 10 while the one or more I/Omechanisms 14 enable input and/or output functionality at the node 10.By way of example, and not by way of limitation, the touch sensor 12 maybe an electrode of a capacitive sensing touch device. Further, the I/Omechanism(s) 14 may be selected from an illumination or visual source,an auditory source, a switch, a sensor, a haptics mechanism and/or thelike.

Both the touch sensor 12 and the integrated I/O mechanisms 14communicate with a controller 16 via the same communication channel 18.That is, they use the same communication lines for operation thereof(e.g., they share communication lines). Any number of shared lines maybe used. The shared communication lines may be embodied as traces orother well-known routing technologies such as those associated withprinted circuit boards, flex circuits and integrated chips. Furthermore,the controller 16 may be embodied as an application specific integratedcircuit chip or it may represent a portion of a host controller.

As shown, the controller 16 includes a set of configurable I/O pins 20for each multifunctional node 10 of the touch device 8. The number ofpins typically corresponds to the number of shared communication lines(e.g., a pin for each line). Because they are configurable, the I/O pins20 can be rearranged for operations associated with the touch sensor 12or the I/O mechanism(s) 14 of the node 10. By way of example, the I/Opins functionality may be switched between ground, a voltage source,various digital inputs, sensing inputs, detection inputs, drivingoutputs, etc.

The controller 16 also includes a sense module 22 and an I/O module 24.The sense module 22 performs sensing operations associated with thetouch sensor 12. By way of example, the sense module 22 may monitortouch data generated at each node 10. In the case of a capacitiveelectrode, the sense module 22 may for example include capacitivesensing circuitry that monitors changes in capacitance at each node 10.The I/O module 24, on the other hand, performs I/O operations associatedwith the I/O mechanism(s). By way of example, the I/O module 24 maymonitor the state of an input mechanism (e.g., switch), and/or providesignals for driving an output mechanism (e.g., light source).

The controller 16 further includes a control module 26 that isoperatively coupled to all the various components. During operation, thecontrol module 26 selectively switches the operation between the senseand each of the I/O operations, and also reconfigures the functionalityof the I/O pins 20 based on the mode of operation (I/O pins 20 arearranged according to which operation is being performed). In a touchsensing mode, the I/O contacts 20 are configured for monitoring thetouch sensor 12 to determine if a touch has taken place at the node 10.In input mode, the I/O contacts 20 are configured for monitoring theinput mechanism 14 to determine if an input has been made at the node10. In the output mode, the I/O contacts 20 are configured to drive theoutput on the output mechanism 14 at the node 10.

In one embodiment, the control module 26 uses time multiplexing whenswitching between operations. Time multiplexing is the technique ofoperating several devices at one node or through the same communicationchannel by sequentially switching the control of the devices using atime interval delay. Although delayed, time multiplexing allows almostsimultaneous transmission of multiple signals over a single channel. Inmost cases, the delay is so fast it cannot be seen by the user.

By way of example, the control module 26 may activate the sense module22, and arrange the I/O pins 20 for touch sensing while deactivating theI/O module 24 in order to perform sense operations, and may activate theI/O module 24 and arrange the I/O pins 20 for I/O operations whiledeactivating the sense module 22 in order to perform I/O operations.This is repeated or cycled back and forth in order to perform eachoperation in an effective manner.

As mentioned above, the I/O mechanism(s) can be widely varied. Severalexamples will now be described. In one embodiment, the I/O mechanism isone or more switches. Examples of switches include dome switches,momentary switches, and the like. In another embodiment, the I/Omechanism is one or more separate sensors that are distinct from thetouch sensor. Examples of sensors include touch, image, biometric,temperature, microphone, optical proximity detectors and the like. Inanother embodiment, the I/O mechanism is one or more light sources.Examples of light sources include LEDs, OLEDs, electroluminescent (EL),CCFL (cold second connection point fluorescent lamp), LCD (liquidcrystal display and the like. In another embodiment, the I/O mechanismis a speaker. In another embodiment, the I/O mechanism is a vibrator orclick mechanism. In another embodiment, the IO mechanism is a resistiveheating element.

It should also be noted that various combinations of I/O mechanism canbe used. Several examples will now be described. In one embodiment, theI/O mechanism includes one or more switches and one or more sensors. Inanother embodiment, the I/O mechanism includes one or more switches andone or more light sources. In another embodiment, the I/O mechanismincludes one or more sensors and one or more light sources. In anotherembodiment, the I/O mechanism includes one or more switches and one ormore speakers. In another embodiment, the I/O mechanism includes one ormore sensors and one or more speakers. In another embodiment, the I/Omechanism includes one or more switches and one or more vibrators. Inanother embodiment, the I/O mechanism includes one or more sensors andone or more vibrators.

It should also be noted that more than two distinct I/O mechanism can beused. For example, a single node may include a switch, sensor, lightsource, or switch, light source, vibrator. In a nut shell, anycombination of these elements can be created to generate the desirednode.

FIG. 2 is a method 50 of operating a touch device, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention. The touch device may forexample correspond to the touch device described in FIG. 1. The method50 begins at block 52 where a touch sensor (or proximity sensor) with anintegrated I/O mechanism is provided. The touch sensor and integratedI/O mechanism are configured to share a communication channel in orderto communicate with a controller (e.g., they utilize the samecommunication channel when operating).

The method 50 also includes block 54 where a touch sensing (or proximitysensing) operation is performed at the node via the shared communicationchannel and touch sensor. By way of example, in the case of capacitivetouch or proximity sensing, the electrode may be charged and thecapacitance at the charged electrode monitored.

The method 50 also includes block 56 where an I/O operation is performedat the node via the shared communication channel and the I/O mechanism.By way of example, in case of a light source, the light source may becharged or in the case of a switch, the electrical loop may be monitoredfor open or closed state.

The method 50 also includes block 58 where the touch sensing and I/Ooperations are selectively switched back and forth via time multiplexingso that touch sensing and I/O can take place at the same node over thesame communication channel. By way of example, this may includereconfiguring the functionality of the I/O contacts operatively coupledto the shared communication channel, and then performing the desiredoperations. By way of example, touch sensing may be activated at T1 fora predetermined amount of time while deactivating I/O operations duringthat time, and thereafter the I/O mechanism may be activated at T2 for apredetermined amount of time while deactivating sensing operationsduring that time. These steps are then continuously repeated (e.g.,T3=touch sensing, T4=I/O operations, and so on).

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an I/O device 100, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The I/O device may for example beused in a user interface of an electronic device. The I/O device 100includes one or more multifunctional nodes 102 and a controller 104 incommunication with the multifunctional nodes 102. For ease ofillustration, a single multifunctional node 102 is shown. It should beappreciated however that multiple multifunctional nodes 102 may be usedas for example in a touch plane of a touch pad, touch display or touchhousing. Furthermore, it should be noted that the multifunctional nodesmay be used solely or in combination with other types of nodes (such asconventional single functionality nodes). By way of example, the I/Odevice may be composed of only the multifunctional nodes oralternatively it may be composed of some multifunctional nodes and someconventional nodes (e.g., touch sensors with integrated I/O and plainold touch sensors). The arrangement of nodes generally depends on thedesired needs of the I/O device.

In the illustrated embodiment, the multifunctional I/O node 102 includesa capacitive sensing electrode 106 for detecting capacitive changes atthe multifunctional I/O node 102. The capacitive changes can be used todetermine touches or near touches (e.g., proximity) around themultifunctional I/O node 102. The electrode 106 may for example operateunder the principal of self capacitance. In self capacitance, theelectrode 106 is charged by a voltage source 108, and when an objectsuch as a finger comes in close proximity to the electrode 106, theobject steals charge thereby affecting the capacitance at themultifunctional I/O node 102. The capacitance at the multifunctional I/Onode 102 is monitored by a capacitive sensing circuit I/O of thecontroller.

The electrode 106 may be formed from almost any shape and size. Forexample they may be formed as squares, rectangles, circles,semi-circles, ovals, triangles, trapezoids, other polygons and or morecomplicated shapes such as wedges, crescents, stars, lightning bolts,etc. The size may be smaller than a finger tip, larger than a fingertip, or just about the size of a finger tip. The size and shapegenerally depends on the desired needs of the I/O device.

The multifunctional I/O node 102 also includes a secondary I/O mechanism112 that is integrated with the capacitive sensing electrode 106. Thatis, the electrode and I/O mechanism are incorporated into a singledefined node. The I/O mechanism 112 can be an input mechanism such as aswitch or a sensor, etc. and/or an output mechanism such as lightsource, display, auditory source, haptics mechanism, etc. Duringoperation, the I/O mechanism 112 is driven by an I/O circuit 111, whichis part of the controller 104.

The position of the second I/O mechanism 112 relative to the electrode106 may be widely varied. It is generally preferred to place the I/Omechanism 112 in close proximity and more particularly entirely withinthe confines of the electrode 106 in order to save space as well as toprovide multiple functions at the same location (overlaidfunctionality). For example, the I/O mechanism 112 may be placedcompletely within the edges of the electrode 106 (as shown in FIG. 3A).Alternatively, the I/O mechanism 112 may be placed partially within theedges and partially outside of the edge of the electrode 106 (as shownin FIG. 3B) or entirely outside the edges of the electrode 106 such asnext to or juxtaposed the edge(s) (as shown in FIG. 3C). Moreover, theI/O mechanism 112 may be placed underneath, above or in the same planeas the electrode 106. The placement generally depends on the desiredneeds of the I/O device 100 and the manufacturing techniques employed.

To elaborate on integration, the I/O mechanism 112 generally includes afirst connection point 114 (or contact, terminal, pad, etc.) and asecond connection point 116 (or contact, terminal, pad, etc.). The firstconnection point 114 is electrically coupled to the electrode 106 whilethe second connection point 116 is electrically isolated from theelectrode 106. Furthermore, a first communication line 120 iselectrically coupled to the electrode 106 and a second communicationline 122 is electrically isolated from the electrode 106 (and the othercommunication line) and electrically coupled to the second connectionpoint 116 of the I/O mechanism 112. For example, the second connectionpoint 116/second communication line 122 may be positioned in an openarea found within the electrode (as shown in FIG. 3A). Alternatively,the second connection point 116/second communication line 122 may bespaced apart from the outside edge of the electrode (as shown in FIGS.3B and 3C).

The first communication line 120 is also connected to a first adjustableI/O 130 contact of the controller 104, and the second communication line122 is connected to a second adjustable I/O contact 132 of thecontroller 104. The I/O contacts 130 and 132 can be adjusted betweenground, voltage, digital inputs, sense circuit blocks, or otheractivation block such as amps, etc. depending on whether the node isbeing used for capacitive sensing or I/O operations. Any type of source,sense, block may be used.

As mentioned above the I/O mechanism can be widely varied. In accordancewith one particular embodiment, the I/O mechanism is a switch such as adome switch or momentary switch. For example, the switch may beconnected via its terminals (connection points). By integrating a switchwith an electrode, a separate switch circuit is avoided as well assaving space within an electronic device. In accordance with anotherembodiment, the I/O mechanism is a light source such as an LED. Forexample, the LED may be connected via its anode and cathode (connectionpoints). By integrating an LED with an electrode, the need to cut alarge hole in the electrode in order to provide illumination to thenode, and having the LED on a separate circuit is avoided. As should beappreciated, in some cases, in order to illuminate a node, a hole is cutin the electrode and an LED, which is operated on a separate circuit isplaced behind the hole. This is believed to degrade the ability to sensecapacitively at the LED region. The step of integrating the LED and/orswitch with the electrode as disclosed herein avoids this by allowing asmaller total solution that enables capacitive sensing in the sameregion as the LED and using the same circuit.

It should be appreciated, that the present invention is not limited toswitches and LEDs and that other I/O mechanism can be used.

Generally speaking, and not by way of limitation, the capacitancesensing function may operate on both 132 and 130 together, or commonmode. For example, the capacitance sensing function may apply forcemodulating voltage waveforms on both contacts, and measure current onboth contacts, in order to detect capacitance. This common modearrangement allows touch sensing capacitance to be detected for not onlybetween the user and the electrode region, but also for the touchsensing capacitance between the user and the I/O element 112. In thisway, the effective area of the touch sensing electrode may be extendedto include the I/O element. The I/O function may operate on 132 and 130using differential mode, as for example driving a voltage or currentfrom 132 to 130 (or vice-versa), or sensing a voltage or current from132 to 130. This allows differentiation between the capacitance sensing,which is done common mode, and driving or sensing the I/O element, whichis done differentially.

In some cases, a capacitor 140 may be electrically positioned betweenthe first and second communication lines 120 and 122 to increase thetotal electrode area. That is, the addition of the capacitor causes theI/O mechanism to be included in the total electrode area therebyimproving the electrode's capacitive sensing. A resistor may be furtheremployed when the I/O mechanism is embodied as a light source such as anLED. The resistor limits DC current to flow at a specific value. In oneexample, the capacitor is a 20 pF capacitor, and the resistor is a 10K-ohm resistor. If the I/O mechanism is a switch, the resistor may bereplaced with a 0 ohm jumper or just a circuit trace.

An alternative to the external capacitor and resistor is for thecapacitive sensing mode, connecting 130 and 132 together internally witha switch, and then connecting both of these to the capacitive sensingcircuit (on-IC chip), and for the LED light mode, connecting 130 toground and connecting 132 to a current source (on-chip). In the later,the function of 130 and 132 may be reversed depending on the polaritythe LED is inserted.

In order to perform sensing and I/O operations using the samecommunication lines, the controller uses time multiplexing to switchbetween sensing and the I/O operations. In one embodiment, duringsensing operations, the first I/O contact is modulated and used forcapacitive sensing and the second I/O contact is set to high impedance.Further, during I/O operations when the I/O mechanism is an LED, thefirst I/O contact is set to output high and the second I/O contact isset as output low. Further still, during I/O operations when the I/Omechanism is a switch, the first I/O contact is set for output low andthe second I/O contact is set as a weak pull up resistor internal to theIC, and after waiting a short amount of time (for example, if internalpull up is 100K then with external capacitance of 20 pF time constant is2 μs, so wait 10 μs for five time constants) then sample the digitalstate at the second I/O contact. If it is a logic high then the switchis open. If it is a logic low then the switch is closed.

Referring to FIGS. 4-7, the assembly of the I/O device 100 will bedescribed in greater detail. As shown, the electrode 106 is typicallypositioned on a substrate 150. The substrate 150 may for example be aprinted circuit board or a flexible membrane such as those of a flexcircuit or some other suitable material for supporting the electrode(s)106 thereon (e.g., housing). Furthermore, the electrode 106 may beformed from any thin conductive material. By way of example, theelectrode 106 may be embodied as a metallic foil that is adhered to thesubstrate, a conductive paint or ink that is coated on the substrate, aconductive material that is printed, deposited or etched on thesubstrate, plates or bands that are molded or embedded into thesubstrate or any other suitable arrangement. Moreover, the I/O device100 typically includes a cover film 152 disposed above the electrode106. The cover film 152 may be formed from any suitable dielectricmaterial such as glass or plastic. The cover film 152 serves to protectthe under layers and provide a surface for allowing an object to beplaced thereon. The cover film 152 also provides an insulating layerbetween the object and the electrode 106. Furthermore, the cover film152 is suitably thin to allow sufficient electrode coupling.

The position of the I/O mechanism(s) 112 relative to the electrode 106may be widely varied. As shown in FIG. 4, the I/O mechanism 112 may bepositioned above the electrode 106. In this embodiment, the cover film122 may include a void 154 for placement of the I/O mechanism 112. Asshown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the I/O mechanism 112 is positioned below theelectrode 106. In FIG. 6, the I/O mechanism 112 is disposed inside avoid 156 in the substrate 150 and sandwiched between the electrode 106and the substrate 150. In FIG. 5, the I/O mechanism 112 is disposed onthe opposite side of the substrate 150. Alternatively, as shown in FIG.7, the I/O mechanism 112 may even be positioned within substantially thesame plane as the electrode 106. This typically depends on the thicknessof the various layers. It should be noted that in cases where multipleI/O mechanism 112 are used, any combination of the above may be used.For example, in one implementation, an LED 112 is positioned above theelectrode 106, and a switch 112 is positioned below the electrode 106 onthe backside of the substrate 150.

The I/O mechanism may come in a variety of forms including mechanicalstructures, integrated circuit chips, surface mount devices, and thelike. Furthermore, they can be connected using a variety of techniques.One example are separate solder pads disposed at the first connectionpoint and second connection point.

In some cases, the various layers may further be embodied as transparentor semi transparent materials. For example, the conductive material ofthe electrodes may be formed from indium tin oxide (ITO), the dielectricmaterial of the cover film may be formed as clear or partiallytransparent plastic or glass, and the substrate may be formed as clearor partially transparent plastic or glass (e.g., clear Mylar sheet).This may be done to allow visual feedback through the various layers ofthe I/O device. For example, in cases where the I/O mechanism is adisplay or light source

In one implementation, the electrodes are placed on one side of aprinted circuit board (PCB), and the controller in the form a anintegrated circuit chip is mounted on the back side of the PCB, withconventional PCB routing connecting the I/O contacts of the electrodesand I/O mechanism to the I/O contacts of the IC chip. The IC chip mayfor example be an ASIC. In another implementation, the electrodes areplaced on one side of a printed circuit board (PCB) and the I/O contactsare coupled to the I/O contacts of a floating IC via a flex circuit withprinted traces. For example, the PCB containing the electrodes isconnected to one end of a flex circuit and the sensor IC is attached tothe other end of the flex circuit. Alternatively, the electrodes may beapplied directly to the flexible member of the flex circuit.

FIG. 8 is a method 200 of operating an I/O device having a capacitancesensing electrode with integrated LED, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention. The I/O device may for example correspond tothe I/O device shown in FIG. 3. The method 200 begins at block 202 wherethe LED is lighted. Thereafter in block 204, capacitance sensing isperformed. Blocks 202 and 204 are cycled back and forth during operationof the I/O device using time multiplexing. By way of example, blocks 202and 204 may be repeated every 10 to 20 ms, and more particularly 16 ms.

FIG. 9 is a method 210 of operating an I/O device having a capacitancesensing electrode with integrated switch, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The I/O device may for examplecorrespond to the I/O device shown in FIG. 3. The method begins at block212 where the state of the switch is sensed. Thereafter in block 214,capacitance sensing is performed. Blocks 212 and 214 are cycled back andforth during operation of the I/O device. By way of example, blocks 212and 214 may be repeated every 10 to 20 ms, and more particularly 16 ms.

FIG. 10 is a method 220 of lighting the LED of FIG. 8 (e.g., block 202).The method 220 includes block 222 where a first communication line isconnected to a voltage source, and block 224 where the secondcommunication line is connected to ground. This may be accomplished byadjusting the functionality of the I/O pins at the controller. In oneexample, the voltage source is configured to output 3V. The method alsoincludes block 226 where the voltage is supplied for a predeterminedamount of time. The amount of time depends on the desired brightness ofthe LED. The greater the time the greater the brightness, and the lowerthe time the lower the brightness. The time may for example be selectedbetween 0 and 100 micro-seconds. In order to turn the LED off, the firstcommunication line can be switched to ground or alternatively the secondcommunication line can be switched to the voltage source.

FIG. 11 is a method 230 of sensing the state of the switch of FIG. 9(e.g., block 212). The method 230 includes block 232 where the firstcommunication line is connected to a voltage source. This may beaccomplished by adjusting the functionality of the I/O pins at thecontroller. In one example, the voltage source is configured to output3V. The method 230 also includes block 236 where the secondcommunication line is reconfigured to a digital input (as for examplewith an on-chip pull up resistor to Vcc 3V). After waiting apredetermined amount of time (e.g., 10 micro-seconds), the voltage ofthe second communication line is measured. If the voltage at the secondcommunication line is at Vcc, then the switch is open, and if thevoltage of the line is grounded then the switch is closed. In the eventof a closed switch, an action associated with the switch is performed.This may for example be accomplished with a host controller.

FIG. 12 is a method 240 of performing capacitance sensing with theelectrode of FIG. 8 or 9. The method 240 includes block 242 where thesecond communication line is configured for a digital input (create opencircuit). The method 240 also includes block 244 where the firstcommunication line is configured for measuring the capacitance at theelectrode (e.g., measuring self capacitance).

An alternate embodiment of 240 that goes along with no off chipresistors or capacitors is connect first and second line to each otherusing an on-chip switch, and then connecting both of them to capacitivesensing measurement circuit.

Although the invention has been primarily described as having one I/Omechanism, it should be appreciated that this is not a limitation. Insome cases, it may be desirable to include multiple I/O mechanism at thesame node thereby providing even more functionality from the samelocation while also limiting the number of communication lines.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of an I/O device 250 with a multifunctional node252 having a capacitance sensing electrode 106 and multiple integratedI/O mechanisms 112. Any number of I/O mechanisms 112 may be used. In theillustrated embodiment, the multifunctional node 252 includes two I/Omechanisms 112A and 112B to go along the capacitance sensing electrode106. The I/O mechanisms 112A and 112B are positioned in parallel. Thefirst connection points 114A&B of each I/O mechanism 112A&B iselectrically coupled to the electrode 106 while the second connectionpoints 116A&B of each I/O mechanism 112A&B is electrically isolated fromthe electrode 106. Furthermore, the first communication line 120 iselectrically coupled to the electrode 106 and the second communicationline 122 is electrically isolated from the electrode 106 (and the othercommunication line) and electrically coupled to the second connectionpoints 116A&B of the I/O mechanisms 112A&B. For example, the secondconnection points 116/second communication line 122 may be positionedsimilarly to a single second connection point as for example in an openarea found within the electrode (as shown).

The combination of the I/O mechanisms 112 may be widely varied. Forexample, the combination may include a pair of input mechanisms, a pairof output mechanisms, or an input mechanism and an output mechanism. Theinput and output mechanism can be selected from any of those previouslydescribed. In one particular embodiment, the first I/O mechanism is aswitch for providing additional inputs at the node and the second I/Omechanism is a light source for providing visual feedback at the node.

In order to perform sensing and I/O operations using the samecommunication lines, the controller uses time multiplexing to switchbetween sensing and the multiple I/O operations. Each step can beaccomplished as mentioned above.

FIG. 14 is a method 300 of operating an I/O device having a capacitancesensing electrode with integrated LED and switch, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The I/O device may for examplecorrespond to the I/O device shown in FIG. 13. The method 300 begins atblock 302 where the LED is lighted. Thereafter in block 304, capacitancesensing is performed. Thereafter in block 306, the state of the switchis sensed. Blocks 302 and 304 and 306 are sequentially switched on andoff during operation of the I/O device using time multiplexing. By wayof example, blocks 302-306 may be repeated every 10 to 20 ms, and moreparticularly 16 ms.

FIG. 15 is an alternate method 310 of sensing the state of a switch. Themethod may be performed in FIGS. 9 and 14. The method 310 includes block312 where the second communication line is connected to a voltage source(e.g., 3 V). The method 310 also includes block 314 where the firstcommunication line is momentarily grounded. Thereafter, in block 316,the first communication line is configured for digital input. Afterwaiting a predetermined amount of time (10 micro-seconds), the voltageof the first communication line is measured in block 318 (read state offirst communication line). If the line is grounded (low), the switch isopen, and if the line is not grounded (high) the switch is closed. Inthe event of a closed switch, an action associated with the switch isperformed. This may for example be accomplished with a host controller.This particular implementation is typically accomplished with theresistor and capacitor as shown in FIG. 3A.

In any of the previously described embodiments, the nodes may bepositioned in a conventional 2D array of rows and columns oralternatively they may be positioned in a non 2D array thereby allowinga wide variety of user interfaces to be created. In fact, non 2D arraysmay be beneficial in creating user interfaces that better fit portableelectronic devices. For example, different orientations of nodes may beused to provide input functionality that is directed at the specificapplications of the portable electronic device. The user interfaces mayfor example include scrolling regions or parameter control regions wherenodes are set up in succession along a prescribed path, and/or buttonregions where individual nodes may represent distinct button functions.With regards to a scrolling or parameter control, the nodes may beplaced in an open loop arrangement such as a line, or they may be placedin closed loop arrangement such as a circle. Generally speaking, thenodes can be placed to form any shape whether in a single plane ormultiple planes. Examples include squares, rectangles, circles,semi-circles, ovals, triangles, trapezoids, other polygons, pill shapes,S shapes, U shapes, L shapes, star shapes, plus shape, etc.

Any number of nodes in any combination may be used. In one embodiment,only multifunctional nodes are used. In another embodiment,multifunctional nodes are mixed with conventional nodes. For example,capacitive sensing electrodes with integrated I/O mechanisms can besolely or in combination with standard non integrated capacitive sensingelectrodes. The number of nodes is typically determined by the size ofthe touch device as well as the size of the electrodes and 24 used atthe nodes. In many cases, it is desirable to increase the number ofnodes so as to provide higher resolution (e.g., more information can beused for such things as acceleration). However, as the number increases,so does the number of I/Os. Therefore a careful balance betweenresolution and number of I/Os needs to be made when designing the touchdevice.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a touch device 350 including a multifunctionalnode 352 and a single functional node 354, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. Although only one node of each typeis shown, it should be appreciated that the touch device can includemore than one of each type. By way of example, in the case of a touchpad, the touch device may include an array of nodes 352 and 354 set upin various layouts within a touch plane.

As shown, each node includes an electrode 106. The multifunctional nodeadditionally includes one or more I/O mechanisms 112 integratedtherewith while the single functional node does not include anyintegrated I/O mechanisms. The multifunctional nodes 352 communicateswith the controller 104 over a pair of shared communication lines 120and 122 (see for example FIG. 3 or 13). The single functional nodes 354communicate with the controller 104 via a single communication line 123.The single communication line 123 is connected to the capacitive sensingmodule 356. During capacitive sensing, the first communication line 120is also connected to the capacitive sensing module 356. During I/Ooperations, the second communication line 122 is connected to the I/Omodule 358. This is similar to that described above.

FIGS. 17-19 are diagrams of circular touch devices 400A-C, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. The circular touch devices400 are divided into several independent and spatially distinct nodes402 that are positioned in a circular manner. Each of the nodes 402represents a different angular position within the circular shape. Anynumber of nodes may be used to form the circular arrangement. However,at least a portion of the nodes are multifunctional nodes 402A. In somecases, all of the nodes 402 are multifunctional nodes 402A. In othercases, the touch device 400 includes both multifunctional nodes 402A andconventional single functional nodes 402B (e.g., cap. sensing electrodeby itself). Furthermore, within this arrangement, the multifunctionalnodes 402A may be the same multifunctional node or they may be differentmultifunctional nodes. For example, some of the nodes 402A may include asingle I/O mechanism while other nodes may include multiple I/Omechanisms. Alternatively, some of the nodes 402A may include a firstI/O mechanism while other nodes include a second I/O mechanism. Anyarrangement of nodes may be used.

FIG. 17 illustrates a circular touch device 400A consisting of allmultifunctional nodes 402A. That is, each of the nodes 402 of the touchdevice 400 are configured as multifunctional nodes 402A that include atouch sensor with integrated I/O mechanisms.

In one implementation, the multifunctional nodes 402A may only includean integrated LED. This arrangement may be configured to perform likethe touch devices described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.11/394,493 and 60/755,656.

In another implementation, the multifunctional nodes 402A may onlyinclude an integrated switch in order to provide additional inputs. Thisarrangement may be configured to perform like the touch devicesdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/643,256 and11/057,050.

In another implementation, the multifunctional nodes 402A may includeboth an integrated switch and LED. By way of example, the LED may beused illuminate symbols associated with the functionality of theintegrated switch.

FIG. 18 illustrates a circular touch device 400B consisting of somemultifunctional nodes 402A and some conventional single functionalitynodes 402B. In the illustrated embodiment, the multifunctional nodes402A are positioned at key positions about the circular arrangement. Forexample, they may be positioned at north, south, east and west positionsor alternatively at 12 o clock, 3 o clock, 6 o clock and 9 o clockpositions.

In one implementation, the multifunctional nodes 402A may only includean integrated LED in order to illuminate symbols. The symbols may beused to indicate a function associated with that node or region of thetouch device 400B. This arrangement may work particularly well with themechanical switch/touch pad described in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/643,256. For example, the symbols may be used to indicatefunctionality associated with physical switches housed underneath andengaged by a movable touch pad (e.g., tilting). In the case of a musicplayer for example the symbols and physical switches may correspond tomenu, play/pause, forward, and reverse.

In another implementation, the multifunctional nodes 402A may onlyinclude an integrated switch in order to provide additional inputs. Theswitches may be used in addition to or in place of the physical switchesdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/643,256.

In another implementation, the multifunctional nodes 402A may includeboth an integrated switch and LED. The LED is used illuminate symbolsassociated with the functionality of the integrated switch.

FIG. 19 illustrates a circular touch device 400C that includes allmultifunctional nodes 402A. This is similar to the embodiment shown inFIG. 17 except that some of the multifunctional nodes 402A include oneI/O mechanism 402A while others include two I/O mechanisms 402AA. In theillustrated embodiment, the dual I/O mechanism multifunctional nodes402AA include integrated LEDs and integrated switches while the singleI/O mechanism multifunctional node 402A includes just an LED. The dualI/O nodes 402AA are positioned at key positions about the circulararrangement. For example, they may be positioned at north, south, eastand west positions or alternatively at 12 o clock, 3 o clock, 6 o clockand 9 o clock positions while the multifunctional nodes with one I/Omechanism 402A are positioned at the remaining positions. Thisparticular embodiment allows each of the nodes 402 to be illuminatedwhile still offering additional inputs at key nodes.

It should be noted that the circular arrangements describe in FIGS.17-19 are not just limited to angular positioned nodes and that radialnodes may also be used. The radial nodes start at the center or nearcenter of the circular arrangement and jet out radially to the edge ofthe circular arrangement.

It should also be appreciated that the invention is not limited tocircular arrangements, and that other arrangements can be used. FIGS.20-26 show several examples of other arrangements that can be used. Inall of these arrangements, at least one of the nodes 402 is amultifunctional node 402A as described above. In some cases, all of thenodes 402 are multifunctional nodes 402A while in other cases only aportion of the nodes 402 are multifunctional nodes 402A. The remainingnodes being conventional non multifunctional nodes 402B.

FIG. 20 is a diagram of a linear touch device 420. The linear touchdevice 420 is divided into several independent and spatially distinctnodes 402 that are positioned next to one another along a straight line.Each of the nodes 402 represents a different linear position. Althoughshown vertical, it should be appreciated that the linear touch devicemay also be horizontal or at an angle. Moreover, although shownstraight, in some cases it may be desirable to use a curved line such asone that is U shaped, S shaped, L shaped, etc.

FIG. 21 is a diagram of another type of linear touch device 430. Thelinear touch device 430 is divided into several independent andspatially distinct nodes 402 that are positioned in the form of a “+”shape. This embodiment includes both a horizontal line and a verticalline that cross each other.

FIGS. 22-24 are diagrams of a touch devices 450-470 include a scrollingor parameter control set up 482 and one or more distinct buttons 484.The scrolling or parameter control set up 482 include nodes 402configured similarly to any of those previously described 400-430. Thebuttons 484, on the other hand, include additional node(s) 402. Eachbutton 484 may include one or more nodes 402. The minimum required nodeis one, but in some cases it may be desirable to include multiple nodes.The buttons 484 may be positioned inside and/or outside the scrollingregion 482. They may be placed in close proximity of the scrollingregion 482 as for example around the periphery of the scrolling region482 and/or they may be placed away from the scrolling region 482.

FIG. 25 is diagram of a touch device 490 that only includes a buttonarrangement having a plurality of buttons 484. Each button 484 has adifferent task or function assigned thereto. The buttons 484 may bearranged in any manner within a user interface of an electronic device.

FIG. 26 is diagram of a touch device 500 that is set up as a traditional2D array. In this embodiment, the nodes are placed in rows and columns(e.g., X and Y).

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device 550, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The electronicdevice typically includes a processor 556 configured to executeinstructions and to carry out operations associated with the electronicdevice 550. For example, using instructions retrieved for example frommemory, the processor 556 may control the reception and manipulation ofinput and output data between components of the electronic device 550.The processor 556 can be implemented on a single-chip, multiple chips ormultiple electrical components. For example, various architectures canbe used for the processor 556, including dedicated or embeddedprocessor, single purpose processor, controller, ASIC, and so forth.

In most cases, the processor 556 together with an operating systemoperates to execute computer code and produce and use data. Theoperating system may correspond to well known operating systems such asOSX, DOS, Unix, Linux, and Palm OS, or alternatively to special purposeoperating system, such as those used for limited purpose appliance-typedevices (e.g., media players). The operating system, other computer codeand data may reside within a memory block 558 that is operativelycoupled to the processor 556. Memory block 558 generally provides aplace to store computer code and data that are used by the electronicdevice 550. By way of example, the memory block 558 may includeRead-Only Memory (ROM), Random-Access Memory (RAM), hard disk drive,flash memory and/or the like.

The electronic device 550 also includes a display 568 that isoperatively coupled to the processor 556. The display 568 is generallyconfigured to display a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides aneasy to use interface between a user of the electronic device 550 andthe operating system or application running thereon. The display 568 mayfor example be a liquid crystal display (LCD).

The electronic device 550 also includes one or more touch sensingdevices 580 that utilize the multifunctional technology describedherein. The one or more touch sensing devices are operatively coupled tothe processor 556. The touch sensing devices 580 are configured totransfer data from the outside world into the electronic device 550. Thetouch sensing device 580 may for example be used to perform movementssuch as scrolling and to make selections with respect to the GUI on thedisplay 568. The touch sensing device 580 may also be used to issuecommands in the electronic device 550. The touch sensing devices may beselected from fixed and/or movable touch pads, touch screens and/ortouch sensitive housings.

The touch sensing device 580 recognizes touches, as well as the positionand magnitude of touches on a touch sensitive surface. The touch sensingdevice 580 reports the touches to the processor 556 and the processor556 interprets the touches in accordance with its programming. Forexample, the processor 556 may initiate a task in accordance with aparticular touch. Alternatively, a dedicated processor can be used toprocess touches locally at the touch sensing device and reduce demandfor the main processor of the electronic device.

Because of the multifunctional nature of the touch sensing devices, thetouch sensing device provides additional inputs and/or outputs. In thecase of input, and more particularly switches, the touch sensing devicereports that state of one or more switches integrated with the touchsensing device and the processor 556 interprets the touches inaccordance with its programming. For example, the processor 556 mayinitiate a task in accordance with a particular state. In the case of anoutput, and more particularly a light source such as an LED, the touchsensing device may illuminate one or more regions thereof in accordancewith instructions provided by the processor 556. For example, theprocessor may generate symbols over key nodes or provide feedback at thelocation of a touch.

In one particular embodiment of the present invention, the electronicdevices described above correspond to hand-held electronic devices withsmall form factors. As used herein, the term “hand held” means that theelectronic device is typically operated while being held in a hand andthus the device is sized and dimension for such use. Examples of handheld devices include PDAs, Cellular Phones, Media players (e.g., musicplayers, video players, game players), Cameras, GPS receivers, RemoteControls, and the like.

As should be appreciated, the touch sensing device can reduce the numberof input devices needed to support the device and in many casescompletely eliminate input devices other than the touch sensing devices.The device is therefore more aesthetically pleasing (e.g., planar smoothsurfaces with limited to no breaks gaps or lines), and in many cases canbe made smaller without sacrificing screen size and input functionality,which is very beneficial for hand held electronic device especiallythose hand held electronic device that are operated using one hand (somehand held electronic device require two handed operation while others donot).

The touch sensing devices of the present invention are a perfect fit forsmall form factor devices such as hand held devices, which have limitedspace available for input interfaces, and which require adaptableplacement of input interfaces to permit operation while being carriedaround. This is especially true when you consider that the functionalityof handheld devices have begun to merge into a single hand held device.At some point, there is not enough real estate on the device for housingall the necessary buttons and switches without decreasing the size ofthe display or increasing the size of the device, both of which leave anegative impression on the user. In fact, increasing the size of thedevice may lead to devices, which are no longer considered “hand-held.”

In one particular implementation, the hand held device is a music playerand the touch sensing devices are configured to generate control signalsassociated with a music player. For example, the touch sensing devicemay include list scrolling functionality, volume control functionalityand button functionality including, Select, Play/Pause, Next, Previousand Menu.

In another particular implementation, the hand held device is a cellphone and the touch sensing devices are configured to generate controlsignals associated with a cell phone. For example, the touch sensingdevice may include number listing functionality.

In some cases, the handheld device may be a multifunctional handhelddevice as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 60/658,777, which isherein incorporated by reference.

FIG. 28 is a perspective diagram of a media player 600, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. The term “media player”generally refers to computing devices that are dedicated to processingmedia such as audio, video or other images, as for example, musicplayers, game players, video players, video recorders, cameras and thelike. These devices are generally portable so as to allow a user tolisten to music, play games or video, record video or take pictureswherever the user travels. In one embodiment, the media player is ahandheld device that is sized for placement into a pocket of the user.By being pocket sized, the user does not have to directly carry thedevice and therefore the device can be taken almost anywhere the usertravels (e.g., the user is not limited by carrying a large, bulky andoften heavy device, as in a portable computer).

Media players generally have connection capabilities that allow a userto upload and download data to and from a host device such as a generalpurpose computer (e.g., desktop computer, portable computer). Forexample, in the case of a camera, photo images may be downloaded to thegeneral purpose computer for further processing (e.g., printing). Withregards to music players, songs and play lists stored on the generalpurpose computer may be downloaded into the music player. In theillustrated embodiment, the media player 400 is a pocket sized hand heldMP3 music player that allows a user to store a large collection ofmusic. By way of example, the MP3 music player may correspond to any ofthose iPod music players manufactured by Apple Computer of Cupertino,Calif. (e.g., standard, mini, iShuffle, Nano, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 28, the media player 600 includes a housing 602 thatencloses internally various electrical components (including integratedcircuit chips and other circuitry) to provide computing operations forthe media player 600. The integrated circuit chips and other circuitrymay include a microprocessor, memory (e.g., ROM, RAM), a power supply(e.g., battery), a circuit board, a hard drive, and various input/output(I/O) support circuitry. In the case of music players, the electricalcomponents may include components for outputting music such as anamplifier and a digital signal processor (DSP). In the case of videorecorders or cameras the electrical components may include componentsfor capturing images such as image sensors (e.g., charge coupled device(CCD) or complimentary oxide semiconductor (CMOS)) or optics (e.g.,lenses, splitters, filters). In addition to the above, the housing mayalso define the shape or form of the media player. That is, the contourof the housing 602 may embody the outward physical appearance of themedia player 600.

The media player 600 also includes a display screen 604. The displayscreen 604 is used to display a graphical user interface as well asother information to the user (e.g., text, objects, graphics). By way ofexample, the display screen 604 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD).As shown, the display screen 604 is visible to a user of the mediaplayer 600 through an opening 605 in the housing 602, and through atransparent wall 606 that is disposed in front of the opening 605.Although transparent, the transparent wall 606 may be considered part ofthe housing 602 since it helps to define the shape or form of the mediaplayer 600.

The media player 600 also includes a touch pad 610. The touch pad 610 isconfigured to provide one or more control functions for controllingvarious applications associated with the media player 600. For example,the touch initiated control function may be used to move an object orperform an action on the display screen 604 or to make selections orissue commands associated with operating the media player 600. In mostcases, the touch pad 610 is arranged to receive input from a fingermoving across the surface of the touch pad 610 in order to implement thetouch initiated control function.

The manner in which the touch pad 610 receives input may be widelyvaried. In one embodiment, the touch pad 610 is configured receive inputfrom a linear finger motion. In another embodiment, the touch pad 610 isconfigured receive input from a rotary or swirling finger motion. In yetanother embodiment, the touch pad 610 is configured receive input from aradial finger motion. Additionally or alternatively, the touch pad 610may be arranged to receive input from a finger tapping on the touch pad610. By way of example, the tapping finger may initiate a controlfunction for playing a song, opening a menu and the like.

In one embodiment, the control function corresponds to a scrollingfeature. For example, in the case of an MP3 player, the moving fingermay initiate a control function for scrolling through a song menudisplayed on the display screen 604. The term “scrolling” as used hereingenerally pertains to moving displayed data or images (e.g., text orgraphics) across a viewing area on a display screen 604 so that a newset of data (e.g., line of text or graphics) is brought into view in theviewing area. In most cases, once the viewing area is full, each new setof data appears at the edge of the viewing area and all other sets ofdata move over one position. That is, the new set of data appears foreach set of data that moves out of the viewing area. In essence, thescrolling function allows a user to view consecutive sets of datacurrently outside of the viewing area. The viewing area may be theentire viewing area of the display screen 604 or it may only be aportion of the display screen 604 (e.g., a window frame).

The direction of scrolling may be widely varied. For example, scrollingmay be implemented vertically (up or down) or horizontally (left orright). In the case of vertical scrolling, when a user scrolls down,each new set of data appears at the bottom of the viewing area and allother sets of data move up one position. If the viewing area is full,the top set of data moves out of the viewing area. Similarly, when auser scrolls up, each new set of data appears at the top of the viewingarea and all other sets of data move down one position. If the viewingarea is full, the bottom set of data moves out of the viewing area. Inone implementation, the scrolling feature may be used to move aGraphical User Interface (GUI) vertically (up and down), or horizontally(left and right) in order to bring more data into view on a displayscreen. By way of example, in the case of an MP3 player, the scrollingfeature may be used to help browse through songs stored in the MP3player. The direction that the finger moves may be arranged to controlthe direction of scrolling. For example, the touch pad may be arrangedto move the GUI vertically up when the finger is moved in a firstdirection and vertically down when the finger is moved in a seconddirection

To elaborate, the display screen 604, during operation, may display alist of media items (e.g., songs). A user of the media player 600 isable to linearly scroll through the list of media items by moving his orher finger across the touch pad 610. As the finger moves around thetouch pad 610, the displayed items from the list of media items arevaried such that the user is able to effectively scroll through the listof media items. However, since the list of media items can be ratherlengthy, the invention provides the ability for the user to rapidlytraverse (or scroll) through the list of media items. In effect, theuser is able to accelerate their traversal of the list of media items bymoving his or her finger at greater speeds.

In one embodiment, the media player 600 via the touch pad 610 isconfigured to transform a swirling or whirling motion of a finger intotranslational or linear motion, as in scrolling, on the display screen604. In this embodiment, the touch pad 610 is configured to determinethe angular location, direction, speed and acceleration of the fingerwhen the finger is moved across the top planar surface of the touch pad610 in a rotating manner, and to transform this information into signalsthat initiate linear scrolling on the display screen 604. In anotherembodiment, the media player 600 via the touch pad 610 is configured totransform radial motion of a finger into translational or linear motion,as in scrolling, on the display screen 604. In this embodiment, thetouch pad 610 is configured to determine the radial location, direction,speed and acceleration of the finger when the finger is moved across thetop planar surface of the touch pad 610 in a radial manner, and totransform this information into signals that initiate linear scrollingon the display screen 604. In another embodiment, the media player 600via the touch pad 610 is configured to transform both angular and radialmotion of a finger into translational or linear motion, as in scrolling,on the display screen 604.

The touch pad generally consists of a touchable outer surface 611 forreceiving a finger for manipulation on the touch pad 610. Although notshown in FIG. 27, beneath the touchable outer surface 611 is a sensorarrangement. The sensor arrangement includes a plurality of sensors thatare configured to activate as the finger performs an action over them.In the simplest case, an electrical signal is produced each time thefinger passes a sensor. The number of signals in a given time frame mayindicate location, direction, speed and acceleration of the finger onthe touch pad, i.e., the more signals, the more the user moved his orher finger. In most cases, the signals are monitored by an electronicinterface that converts the number, combination and frequency of thesignals into location, direction, speed and acceleration information.This information may then be used by the media player 600 to perform thedesired control function on the display screen 604. By way of example,the sensor arrangement may correspond to any of those described herein.

The position of the touch pad 610 relative to the housing 602 may bewidely varied. For example, the touch pad 610 may be placed at anyexternal surface (e.g., top, side, front, or back) of the housing 602that is accessible to a user during manipulation of the media player600. In most cases, the touch sensitive surface 611 of the touch pad 610is completely exposed to the user. In the illustrated embodiment, thetouch pad 610 is located in a lower, front area of the housing 602.Furthermore, the touch pad 610 may be recessed below, level with, orextend above the surface of the housing 602. In the illustratedembodiment, the touch sensitive surface 611 of the touch pad 610 issubstantially flush with the external surface of the housing 602.

The shape of the touch pad 610 may also be widely varied. For example,the touch pad 610 may be circular, rectangular, triangular, and thelike. In general, the outer perimeter of the shaped touch pad definesthe working boundary of the touch pad. In the illustrated embodiment,the touch pad 610 is circular. Circular touch pads allow a user tocontinuously swirl a finger in a free manner, i.e., the finger can berotated through 360 degrees of rotation without stopping. Furthermore,the user can rotate his or her finger tangentially from all sides thusgiving it more range of finger positions. For example, when the mediaplayer is being held, a left handed user may choose to use one portionof the touch pad 610 while a right handed user may choose to use anotherportion of the touch pad 610. More particularly, the touch pad isannular, i.e., shaped like or forming a ring. When annular, the innerand outer perimeter of the shaped touch pad defines the working boundaryof the touch pad.

In addition to above, the media player 600 may also include one or morebuttons 612. The buttons 612 are configured to provide one or morededicated control functions for making selections or issuing commandsassociated with operating the media player 600. By way of example, inthe case of an MP3 music player, the button functions may be associatedwith opening a menu, playing a song, fast forwarding a song, seekingthrough a menu and the like. The button functions are implemented via amechanical clicking action or alternatively via a sensor arrangementsuch as those described herein. The position of the buttons 612 relativeto the touch pad 610 may be widely varied. For example, they may beadjacent one another or spaced apart. In the illustrated embodiment, thebuttons 612 are separated from the touch pad 610. As shown, there arefour buttons 612A in a side by side relationship above the touch pad 610and one button 612B disposed in the center or middle of the touch pad610. By way of example, the plurality of buttons 612 may consist of amenu button, play/stop button, forward seek button and a reverse seekbutton, select button (enter) and the like. Alternatively oradditionally, the buttons may be implemented with a movable touch pad.

Moreover, the media player 600 may also include a hold switch 614, aheadphone jack 616 and a data port 618. The hold switch 614 isconfigured to turn the input devices of the media device 600 on and off.The headphone jack 616 is capable of receiving a headphone connectorassociated with headphones configured for listening to sound beingoutputted by the media device 600. The data port 618 is capable ofreceiving a data connector/cable assembly configured for transmittingand receiving data to and from a host device such as a general purposecomputer. By way of example, the data port 618 may be used to upload ordown load songs to and from the media device 600. The data port 618 maybe widely varied. For example, the data port may be a PS/2 port, aserial port, a parallel port, a USB port, a Firewire port and the like.In some cases, the data port 618 may be a radio frequency (RF) link oroptical infrared (IR) link to eliminate the need for a cable. Althoughnot shown in FIG. 28, the media player 600 may also include a power portthat receives a power connector/cable assembly configured for deliveringpowering to the media player 400. In some cases, the data port 618 mayserve as both a data and power port.

In the embodiment of FIG. 28, the touch device may be configured toprovide visual information to indicate when and where the touches occur,to invoke a touch (location where a user should touch), or as otherwiseprogrammed. This may be accomplished with integrated LEDs that arecapable of adjusting the visual stimuli of the touch surface.

If used, this visual feedback feature allows the display of pop-upbuttons, characters, and indicators around the touch surface, which candisappear when not in use or required, or glowing special effects thattrace or outline a user's fingers in contact with the touch surface, orotherwise provide visual feedback for the users of the device. In oneimplementation, the handheld device is configured to sense one or moretouches and provide visual feedback in the area of the touches. Inanother implementation, the handheld device is configured to providevisual feedback on the touch surface, detect a touch in the area of thevisual feedback, and to perform an action that is associated with thevisual feedback. An example of such an arrangement can be found in U.S.patent application Ser. Nos. 11/394,493 and 60/755,656, which are hereinincorporated by reference.

Additionally or alternatively, the touch device may be configured toprovide additional inputs when particular regions of the touch pad arepressed. This may be accomplished with integrated switches that arecapable of adjusting the visual stimuli of the touch surface.

While this invention has been described in terms of several preferredembodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, whichfall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted thatthere are many alternative ways of implementing the methods andapparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that thefollowing appended claims be interpreted as including all suchalterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the truespirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable electronic device comprising: an inputregion having touch sensing and display functionality and coupled tofirst communication lines; and a movable circular touch-sensitiveelement located on a periphery of the input region, the movable circulartouch-sensitive element configured for detecting movement of an objecton the periphery and coupled to second communication lines differentfrom the first communication lines; wherein the input region and themovable circular touch-sensitive element are configured for beingindependently actuated and generating first and second signalstransmitting respectively through the first and second communicationlines and corresponding to first and second scrolling inputs to theelectronic device.
 2. The portable electronic device of claim 1, whereinat least one of the input region and the movable circulartouch-sensitive element further comprises one or more multifunctionalnodes, each multifunctional node including a touch sensor and one ormore input/output (I/O) mechanisms.
 3. The portable electronic device ofclaim 1, further comprising one or more processors and one or more datastorage elements communicatively coupled to the input region and thecircular movable touch-sensitive element.
 4. The portable electronicdevice of claim 1, wherein the input region is configured for detectingtranslational movement of the object across the input region.
 5. Theportable electronic device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the inputregion and the circular movable touch-sensitive element comprises one ormore capacitive sensing electrodes for providing the touch sensingfunctionality.
 6. The portable electronic device of claim 1, furthercomprising a data port enabling wireless data transfer.
 7. The portableelectronic device of claim 1, further comprising a button located on theperiphery of the input region.
 8. The portable electronic device ofclaim 1, further comprising a haptic output element enabling generationof a haptic output.
 9. The portable electronic device of claim 1,further comprising a biometric sensor configured for biosensingfunctionality.
 10. The portable electronic device of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one of a light source and an optical detector. 11.The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the input region isconfigured to sense pressure.
 12. The portable electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the scrolling inputs are configured to scroll displayedGUI elements.
 13. A method of providing input to a portable electronicdevice having an input region with touch sensing and displayfunctionality and a movable circular touch-sensitive element located ina periphery of the input region, the method comprising: detecting atouch input at the input region and generating first signalscorresponding to first scrolling inputs to the electronic device;detecting movement of an object at the movable circular touch-sensitiveelement and generating second signals corresponding to second scrollinginputs to the electronic device; and performing a scrolling operationbased on one of the first scrolling inputs and the second scrollinginputs.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising detectingtranslational movement of the object across the input region.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, wherein at least one of the input region and thecircular movable touch-sensitive element comprises one or morecapacitive sensing electrodes and at least one of detecting the touchinput and detecting the movement of the object comprises detecting withthe one or more capacitive sensing electrodes.
 16. The method of claim13, further comprising generating a haptic output in response to aninput.
 17. The method of claim 13, further comprising detecting abiometric input.
 18. The method of claim 13, further comprisingdetecting an input from at least one of a light source and an opticaldetector.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein detecting the inputfurther comprises detecting pressure applied to the input region. 20.The method of claim 13, wherein performing the scrolling operationcomprises scrolling displayed GUI elements.